Mike Cox

Michael Douglas Cox (born March 12, 1965) is an American football coach and former player. He was most recently the defensive coordinator at the University of Texas at El Paso. He played collegiately at the University of Idaho.

Playing career Cox played linebacker for Idaho from 1983 through 1986, while working on his degree in general studies. He was a four-time letter-winner, and a three-year starter, while playing for Head Coaches Dennis Erickson and Keith Gilbertson. His 252 tackles still ranks among the school's all-time leaders. Cox was inducted to the Idaho Sports Hall of Fame in 2014.

Coaching career Idaho Vandals Following his playing career, Cox immediately joined the coaching staff at Idaho as the linebackers coach. He worked for Keith Gilbertson in 1987 and 1988. Following Gilbertson's departure to coach the offensive line at Washington, Idaho brought back John L. Smith (whom served as the defensive coordinator during Cox's playing days) as the head coach. Cox worked on Smith's staff from 1989 to 1994.

Utah State Cox followed John L. Smith to Utah State. He coached the linebackers from 1995 to 1997. Utah State won back-to-back Big West Conference championships in 1996 and 1997.

UTEP When Kansas State's offensive coordinator, Dana Dimel, was hired as the new head coach at UTEP, He gave Cox his first opportunity as a defensive coordinator. This opportunity was enough to lure Cox out of retirement, and on December 20, 2017, Dimel announced Cox's addition to the staff. In addition to his coordinator duties, Cox also oversees the linebackers. Following the 2020 football season, Cox was relieved of his duties.

Personal life Cox and his wife, Jill, have three children, Zac, Jake, and Addison.